February 2022 Issue

Features

Let Kids Take Risks

We know playgrounds are doing their job when they allow kids to take measured risks, stretching their boundaries and learning about their minds, bodies and relationships. Proper safety practices, including good surfacing and regular inspections are an essential part of the process.

Safe In (and Out of) the Water

Ensuring swimmers and staff are as safe as possible begins before the facility is even built, with careful attention to design. From there, best practices and well-trained lifeguards are the key to continuing success.

Protect & Serve

After a year of shutdowns, kids of all ages were happy to get back to playing sports. In addition to protecting them from illness, there are best practices to keep sports facilities safe, prevent injuries and encourage good sportsmanship.

Applying the Lessons of 2020

The year 2020 delivered the coronavirus pandemic with its related staffing shortages, as well as a renewed drive to be more inclusive of diverse populations. Here's how facilities are carrying forward the lessons they learned.

Community Identity

Public art should be representative of the community where it is installed, which is why it is crucial to ensure your public art programs welcome a variety of voices and styles. Learn more about how to expand the scope of public art.

Departments

inPERSPECTIVE / FITNESS: Re-Imagining a Vital Industry

No one wants a boring exercise program. Motivating clients should be at the center of every fitness interaction, making it essential to work together to maintain engagement.

inSERVICE / The Association of Aquatic Professionals: Advancing the Profession

This month, the Association of Aquatic Professionals holds its 11th annual Conference and Expo, providing an educational and networking experience for aquatic professionals in St. Pete Beach, Fla.

inDESIGN: Waste Not, Want Not

Two Wisconsin YMCAs made use of buildings that were already in place to create new facilities while saving construction materials.

inPRACTICE / INCLUSIVE DESIGN: Where All Are Welcomed

This Indiana wellness center was the first in the state to feature inclusive locker rooms and restrooms.

Web Exclusives

Applying New Tools

The recent renovation of the Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary, N.C., allowed the design team to try new approaches to masonry design.

Bringing Sport to Chicago

The Chicago Soccer Initiative recently completed its 50th mini-pitch, part of the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s nationwide goal to create 1,000 mini-pitches by 2026.

From the Editor's Desk

The Light Ahead

We're bringing you a magazine chock-full of great stories and ideas to keep you occupied through the last long nights of winter.

 

Digital Edition

February